June 8/03 3:17 am - Zanini Wins USPro

Posted by Editor on 06/8/03

USPro Championship - Philadelphia, USA

Stefano Zanini (Saeco) is the winner of the USPro Championship, in a sprint finish. Uros Mum (Formaggi Pinzolo) finished second, Julian Dean (CSC) third and Mark McCormack (Saturn), as the top U.S. finisher in fourth takes the U.S. Professional title. An early break of four riders - Siro Camponogara (Navigators), Trent Klasna (Saturn), Tristan Hoffman (CSC) and Jonathan Vaughters (Prime Alliance) - stayed away for most of the day, reaching a maximum lead of just over six minutes. Only in the final 70 kilometers did the peloton begin to reel them in, led by race favourites CSC. The break was caught finally with approximately 55 kilometers remaining, and then the attacks began. Attack and counter-attack, with Michael Barry (US Postal) particularly active. However, nothing was sticking, and it came down to a field sprint among the remaining 35-40 riders in the lead group.